Building Green Homes in Canada

Did you know around 20 percent of the energy consumed in Canada is used in our homes? Purchasing an energy-efficient house or turning one by energy-saving renovations into a green home can offer big savings for home owners.

CMHC has a slogan “Help the Planet, Help Your Wallet” which has added environmentally friendly features to the Mortgage Loan Insurance it offers. If you use CMHC insured financing to buy an energy-efficient home, purchase a house and make energy-saving renovations or renovate your existing home to make it more energy-efficient, there is a 10% refund on the Mortgage Loan Insurance premium, and a premium refund for a longer amortization period (if applicable) may be available to you.

This also applies to if you’re thinking of building an energy-efficient home.

How it works

Step 1: Documentation

Find out how energy-efficient your house or unit is and obtain the supporting documentation

For houses and units located in low rise residential buildings the house or unit must:

have been built under a CMHC-eligible energy-efficient building program; or

have been assessed by a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) qualified energy adviser

and have an EnerGuide rating that complies with the applicable requirement stated below:

For purchases with a closing date:

Energy Guide Rating Required

On or after January 1st, 2013

82

From April 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2012

80

From July 27st, 2005 to March 31st, 2010

77

You must obtain and provide CMHC with one of the following supporting documents:

The CMHC-eligible energy-efficient building program certification; or the first page of the EnerGuide performance report showing the EnerGuide rating of the house.

To be eligible, the supporting documentation must be dated no more than five years prior to the date of the application for a partial premium refund. Where the applicable supporting documentation is older than 5 years, the borrower is required to obtain a current energy efficiency evaluation.

This credit also applies to high rise residential buildings. If you are planning on building a new home and your builder is not a member of a CMHC-eligible energy-efficient building program, you should have an energy adviser evaluate the building plans before the house is built. This can help you ensure that you will meet CMHC’s requirements once the construction of the home is complete and it is evaluated.

Step 2: If required, boost your energy efficiency

If the house you plan to buy does not meet the applicable energy-efficiency requirement, to be eligible for a refund, you will need to obtain an EnerGuide rating through an NRCan qualified energy adviser and renovate using part of the CMHC insured funds based on your energy adviser’s list of recommendations in order to increase your score by at least 5 points and to a minimum overall rating of 40.

Step 3: Discuss and arrange a CMHC-insured mortgage

Talk to your lender and ask for a CMHC insured mortgage. (The rules have just changed to prevent fraud and misuse of funds).

Step 4: Confirm the improvement

After you make the renovations recommended by your energy advisor, you will need to have a second assessment done to determine the energy-saving effectiveness of the renovations.

Step 5: Apply for Refund

Apply for your Premium Refund

The following are steps for if you own a home and are thinking of renovating to make your home more energy-efficient:

Step 1: Obtain an energy rating for your home.

To qualify for this refund, you must carry out the steps described below within a reasonable time after funding of the CMHC insured loan. Normally, the time period between the date of funding (purchase with improvements or refinance) and the date of the post-retrofit assessment should not exceed 24 months.

Contact an NRCan qualified energy adviser to obtain the current energy rating for your home. You will receive a list of straightforward recommendations to increase your energy rating.

Step 2: Discuss CMHC insured refinancing.

Talk to your lender or your financial institution about which options are available to you. (The rules have just changed to prevent fraud and misuse of funds)

Step 3: Improve your rating

Step 4: Confirm

Confirm the improvement by your energy adviser coming in and they will assess your home again after the energy-saving renovations are finished. If this test shows that the house’s energy rating has improved by at least 5 points and has achieved an overall rating of at least 40, a premium refund may be available.

Step 5: Apply

Apply for your Premium Refund online or through paper.

NRCan has developed an energy assessment and labeling system to help homeowners make energy-saving choices when buying a home or renovating. For a fee, an NRCan qualified energy adviser will evaluate the house to determine its energy efficiency rating on a scale of 0 – 100.

For more detailed information and specifics of these sorts of programs, please visit the NRCan web Site.
and if you are looking for a green home please feel free to get in touch with me.

CENTURY 21 John DeVries Ltd.

Testimonials Review of

Azzah and Mehmet – Ottawa

Nilay expertly and confidently guided us through the condo buying process. We greatly appreciated her advice, expert guidance and patience. We felt we were in very good hands!

2016-11-03T20:30:25+00:00

Azzah and Mehmet – Ottawa

Nilay expertly and confidently guided us through the condo buying process. We greatly appreciated her advice, expert guidance and patience. We felt we were in very good hands!

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/azzah-mehmet-ottawa/

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Dilek Akman

When we made a big decision about relocating to Canada from Turkey, one of our friends who lives in Ottawa suggested to us to work with Nilay to buy a house...So we contacted her while we still lived in İstanbul. Since the beginning, she was extremely kind, helpful, honest, available all the time. When we arrived at Ottawa, finally we met her and even though she wouldn't be in Ottawa for a while, she made sure that her colleague Stacey would really take care of us well and she did. Nilay was answering our questions even when she was out of the country on vacation and that's really very valuable manner and we really appreciated everything she has done. We are happy with our new home...Thank you so much Nilay...

2016-11-03T20:29:51+00:00

Dilek Akman

When we made a big decision about relocating to Canada from Turkey, one of our friends who lives in Ottawa suggested to us to work with Nilay to buy a house…So we contacted her while we still lived in İstanbul. Since the beginning, she was extremely kind, helpful, honest, available all the time. When we arrived at Ottawa, finally we met her and even though she wouldn’t be in Ottawa … Continue reading →

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/dilek-akman/

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TS & family, Ottawa

Anyone engaging the services of Nilay Ertemur has made a fortuitous decision. Words are not enough to describe this very warm and genuine bright light. You will experience her intelligence, her competence and realize that you are in very good hands. She possesses an impeccable professional attitude and great determination. She is our forever agent. Thank you Nilay.

2016-06-17T19:57:38+00:00

TS & family, Ottawa

Anyone engaging the services of Nilay Ertemur has made a fortuitous decision. Words are not enough to describe this very warm and genuine bright light. You will experience her intelligence, her competence and realize that you are in very good hands. She possesses an impeccable professional attitude and great determination. She is our forever agent. Thank you Nilay.

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/ts-nilay-ertemur-agent-review/

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Chantal Roy Armstrong, Ottawa

2015-01-17T11:20:57+00:00

Chantal Roy Armstrong, Ottawa

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/chantel-roy-armstrong-ottawa/

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Matthew Hall, Ottawa

2015-09-08T20:43:09+00:00

Matthew Hall, Ottawa

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/matthew-hall-ottawa/

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Century 21 – Outstanding Achievement Award

Sara Benzerga, Toronto

“It is with pleasure and gratitude that I share comments on my experience with Nilay Ertemur. Nilay was fantastic to work with. She is a very honest, hard-working, and dedicated agent when it comes to getting the job done for her clients. As a Mortgage Specialist with National Bank I was very pleased to work with Nilay and refer my clients to her.

“It is with pleasure and gratitude that I share comments on my experience with Nilay Ertemur. Nilay was fantastic to work with. She is a very honest, hard-working, and dedicated agent when it comes to getting the job done for her clients. As a Mortgage Specialist with National Bank I was very pleased to work with Nilay and refer my clients to her. Thus, I highly recommend Nilay Ertemur for … Continue reading →

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/sara-benzerga-ottawa/

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PM and DB, Ottawa

My husband and I first met Nilay Ertemur and her family at a social event. We found her to be a friendly, lively and well mannered person. We contacted Nilay when we decided to purchase a second property in Ottawa (Read more)

2015-05-25T21:20:48+00:00

PM and DB, Ottawa

My husband and I first met Nilay Ertemur and her family at a social event. We found her to be a friendly, lively and well mannered person. We contacted Nilay when we decided to purchase a second property in Ottawa (Read more)

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/pm-and-db/

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Kevin Sullivan

Nilay was extremely knowledgeable of the area and dealt with a very rushed move in an extremely professional manner. I had to find a place and close the deal in less than a week and am extremely happy with the services she provided.

2015-01-17T11:22:18+00:00

Kevin Sullivan

Nilay was extremely knowledgeable of the area and dealt with a very rushed move in an extremely professional manner. I had to find a place and close the deal in less than a week and am extremely happy with the services she provided.

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/kevin-sullivan/

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Karen Elder and Walter Pink

We cannot thank you enough for helping us find a place!! From the bottom of our hearts, we are truly grateful for all that you have done for us. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough. We are so excited to start a new chapter in our lives and it wouldn't have been possible without all your help.
Again, thank you so much!

2015-09-10T20:28:46+00:00

Karen Elder and Walter Pink

We cannot thank you enough for helping us find a place!! From the bottom of our hearts, we are truly grateful for all that you have done for us. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough. We are so excited to start a new chapter in our lives and it wouldn’t have been possible without all your help. Again, thank you so much!

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/karen-and-walter/

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Raj & Suneth Walawege

At the beginning of the year, we were in the process of moving from Vancouver to Ottawa with two 6 month old babies. We were introduced to Nilay through a friend and she immediately got started with the house search. She understood our current and future needs, and recommended areas and homes where we could grow as a family. She has a very patient and pleasant personality and it was a pleasure to work with her. We are extremely happy with our new home in Ottawa. Thank you Nilay

2015-11-05T12:21:31+00:00

Raj & Suneth Walawege

At the beginning of the year, we were in the process of moving from Vancouver to Ottawa with two 6 month old babies. We were introduced to Nilay through a friend and she immediately got started with the house search. She understood our current and future needs, and recommended areas and homes where we could grow as a family. She has a very patient and pleasant personality and it was … Continue reading →

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/raj-suneth/

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VV, Ottawa

Professional. There are so many positive adjectives that could be used to describe Nilay Ertemur but her professionalism is what stands out and is what anyone in need of a realtor would need and appreciate. I highly recommend using her services.

2016-06-17T21:51:28+00:00

VV, Ottawa

Professional. There are so many positive adjectives that could be used to describe Nilay Ertemur but her professionalism is what stands out and is what anyone in need of a realtor would need and appreciate. I highly recommend using her services.

http://nilay.ca/blog/testimonials/vv-nilay-ertemur-service-review/

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Zeynep Ekim

It was a pleasure working with Nilay when we were looking for a place to rent in Ottawa. She is a very professional yet sensitive and caring agent. She was always available to answer all our questions and concerns. She is very knowledgeable, detail oriented and values her clients very much, and does not hesitate to spend extra time. She is very trust worthy and I would not hesitate one second in recommending Nilay to anyone who is looking for a great real estate agent.

2015-01-17T11:21:35+00:00

Zeynep Ekim

It was a pleasure working with Nilay when we were looking for a place to rent in Ottawa. She is a very professional yet sensitive and caring agent. She was always available to answer all our questions and concerns. She is very knowledgeable, detail oriented and values her clients very much, and does not hesitate to spend extra time. She is very trust worthy and I would not hesitate one … Continue reading →

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Gulay Kosem

Thanks to Ms. Nilay Ertemur shortly after arriving to Ottawa, I found a rental apartment as I wished. She works very professionally. She dedicates all her efforts to satisfy her clients. She was always available and helpful.

2015-01-17T11:21:16+00:00

Gulay Kosem

Thanks to Ms. Nilay Ertemur shortly after arriving to Ottawa, I found a rental apartment as I wished. She works very professionally. She dedicates all her efforts to satisfy her clients. She was always available and helpful.